Get Intelligent technology -> Brakes Guide for Audi A5 4 Door First Generation (2007-2013)

Intelligent technology 199

Controls Safety Driving tips General maintenance Self-help Technical data

Note

To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted

with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres

can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not

desired. Also refer to ⇒ page 245, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

The electronic differential lock monitors the speed of the

driven wheels.

General notes

The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the car to start moving,

accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this

may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.

How the system works

The EDL acts automatically. With the aid of the ABS sensors

⇒ page 197, the system monitors the rotational speed of the driven

wheels on each axle. Whenever it detects a significant difference in

the speed of the driven wheels of one axle (for example, if the road is

slippery on one side) the system applies the brake to slow down the

spinning wheel so that more of the power is directed to the other

wheel of this axle (or to the three other wheels on vehicles with four-

wheel drive). This function is active up to about 100 km/h. The brake

system will make noises while it is working.

Driving away from a standstill

Sometimes one wheel has less grip and starts spinning, for

example, if one of the driven wheels is on ice. In this case, keep

pressing the accelerator gradually until the car starts moving, even

though the wheel with less grip will still spin.

Overheating of the brakes

To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the

EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The car

remains operational and will behave in the same way as a car

without EDL.

The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has

cooled down.

WARNING

• When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance

all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and

carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite

of the EDL), which would impair the car's stability and could lead

to an accident.

• Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the

conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into

taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.

Note

If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault

in the EDL. Please contact a qualified workshop as soon as

possible.

Brakes

New brake pads

New brake pads do not give full braking effect for the first 400 km,

they must first be “bedded in”. However, you can compensate for

the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on

the brake pedal. Avoid placing a heavy load on the brakes during the

running-in period.

Wear

The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you

drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative

document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 199 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Intelligent technology200

factors are, for instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard

driving with abrupt starts and stops.

Wet roads; road salt

When you are driving at a speed higher than 80 km/h and have the

windscreen wipers switched on the brake pads are very briefly

brought into contact with the brake discs. This automatic process

which goes unnoticed by the driver is carried out at regular intervals

and is intended to improve braking response in wet conditions.

In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the car

or driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by

moisture (or in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The

brakes should be “dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full

braking effect.

The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if

the car is driven for some distance without using the brakes when

there is a lot of salt on the road in winter. The layer of salt that accu-

mulates on the discs and pads can be removed with a few cautious

brake applications.

Corrosion

There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and

corrosion to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if

you only drive low mileages without using the brakes very much.

If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on

the discs, it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking

firmly a few times from a moderately high speed ⇒ .

Faults in the brake system

If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may

mean that one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immedi-

ately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.

On the way to the dealer, be prepared to use more pressure on the

brake pedal and allow for longer stopping distances.

Low brake fluid level

Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is

too low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.

Brake servo

The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal.

It only works when the engine is running.

WARNING

• When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and

discs, select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or

endanger other road users; do not risk an accident.

• Never let the car coast with the engine switched off (this can

cause accidents).

Caution

• Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal

when you do not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes,

resulting in longer stopping distances and greater wear.

• Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to

reduce speed and move the selector lever to a lower gear. In this

way you will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the

load on the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to

brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.

Note

• If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the

car has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal consid-

erably harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.

• If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front

spoiler or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the

front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.

document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 200 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Intelligent technology -> Brakes for Your Audi A5 4 Door First Generation (2007-2013)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals